I bought these a couple of weeks ago.

The first four I ran through a "test" cycle on my La Crosse charger and got around 700mAh.

The remaining eight I ran through the "refresh" cycle and got them up to around 780mAh.

So they all work, and they all showed over 1.3 volts. I'm going to run the first four through a refresh after I use them.

It remains to be seen how long they will hold a charge.

And I paid two bucks more, so thanks for that, Woot.

Anyone know if these are white top or black top?

Mikeymadness wrote:Anyone know if these are white top or black top?

I got these last time, they are not the Eneloop clones that Duracell used to make years ago (they are black top not white). They do work rather well however, I haven't noticed much difference between these and my Eneloops, that being said I haven't pushed them either.

Mikeymadness wrote:Anyone know if these are white top or black top?

Tbese are made in China. I think the relabeled Eneloops are long gone.

Is there a charger for these for sale somewhere? Moofi?

Will these work with the iGo Chargers from a few weeks back?

GURABoy wrote:Is there a charger for these for sale somewhere? Moofi?

Go and pick up a smart charger, it'll make these last a lot longer than just about any pack-in charger you'd get.

GURABoy wrote:Is there a charger for these for sale somewhere? Moofi?

Any charger that works with AAA NiMH batteries will work.

I've got one of these, which is about the cheapest decent smart charger you can get.

There are a lot of advantages to getting a smart charger over one that just charges with a fixed current for a fixed amount of time. You can charge faster without risking overheating due to overcharging, you can charge odd numbers of batteries, you can revive batteries that have lost capacity, you can identify which battery is not working well and dragging the set down, and so on.

Seriously, Woot? I just bought some from Amazon a couple hours ago.

Mikeymadness wrote:Anyone know if these are white top or black top?

They are not the Japanese white top Duracells that are identical to first generation Eneloops. These are Chinese-made black tops that are identical to Rayovac LSDs. I have both and have not noticed a difference. They have similar capacities according to my LaCrosse, and lasts about the same in my remotes, weather forecasters and computer mouse. I do not know if their self-discharge rates are identical but I expect them to be very similar.

GURABoy wrote:Is there a charger for these for sale somewhere? Moofi?

Get yourself an NiMH charger that charges each battery individually (as opposed to charging them in pairs). That's important because batteries discharge differently, i.e. battery A may be 87% discharged while battery B is 72% discharged. If you're required to charge them in pairs, then one will end up be under or overcharged.

It would also be good to buy a multifunctional charger like the LaCrosse or Maha. They have the ability to test as well as "refresh" overused batteries. I bought a brand new LaCrosse on eBay for about $20.

These are the "good" kind of rechargeables in that they're of the newer NiMH chemistry type that holds its charge much better. Getting a charger that charges each battery individually is recommended, smart chargers are ideal, but you don't need to get one; you can chuck these in pretty much any standard NiMH charger you have lying around.

Anyone know if these would be good in an insulin pump????

If these are the same model of AAA I bought years ago, then I am still using the same set in my work wireless headphones for going on 7 years now. I just set the headset on its charger every night. Never had them run out on me during a workday.

RandomNiceGuy wrote:If these are the same model of AAA I bought years ago, then I am still using the same set in my work wireless headphones for going on 7 years now. I just set the headset on its charger every night. Never had them run out on me during a workday.

Since you charge your headset nightly, self-dishcharge is a non-issue so expensive Low Self-Discharge (LSD) batteries such as these and Eneloops are a waste of money. These are most useful for devices that you seldomly use and/or change the batteries, i.e. emergency flashlights, emergency radios, temperature sensors, clocks, etc. The first two devices are rarely used, while the latter two use so little electricity that you'd normally change the batteries only once a year. Normal NiMH batteries will lose its charge within a few months, regardless of whether it's used, or how little electricity it uses. That's where these LSD batteries shine. They act almost like alkaline batteries, which have negligible self-discharge.

Since you charge your headsets nightly, it never reaches the point of self-discharge (which takes a few months). Any normal cheap NiMH battery would do just fine. In fact, normal cheap NiMH batteries might do even better because they come in higher capacities which means longer run times. These LSD AAAs are only rated for 800mAh.

lstaff wrote:Anyone know if these would be good in an insulin pump????

I wouldn't chance it in crucial medical or monitoring devices. But if you really want to try them, ask the manufacturer. Some electronics are optimized to function in multiples of 1.5V, which is how much a normal alkaline battery holds. NiMH batteries are rated for 1.2V. In other words, you have 20% fewer volts with NiMH batteries. While most modern electronics can accommodate the lower voltage, some may not. I have an Olympus voice recorder that requires 1.5V and won't work with NiMHs.

Even if your pump can use the lower voltage, the fact that it starts out fresh at 1.2V means that it will more quickly drop to an unusable voltage than a 1.5V alkaline. For example, let's say that the pump needs a minimum of 1.0V to operate. Obviously, it's generally faster to drop to 1.0V from 1.2V than 1.5V. In other words, you'll be changing batteries more often.

ADDENDUM: In high drain devices, i.e. digital cameras, a 1.2V NiMH battery will actually last longer than a 1.5V alkaline. That's because NiMH chemistry is better suited for brief moments of high drainage than alkaline. As far as I know, this doesn't apply to insulin pumps which are probably low drain.

sdc100 wrote:I wouldn't chance it in crucial medical or monitoring devices. But if you really want to try them, ask the manufacturer. Some electronics are optimized to function in multiples of 1.5V, which is how much a normal alkaline battery holds. NiMH batteries are rated for 1.2V. In other words, you have 20% fewer volts with NiMH batteries. While most modern electronics can accommodate the lower voltage, some may not. I have an Olympus voice recorder that requires 1.5V and won't work with NiMHs.

Even if your pump can use the lower voltage, the fact that it starts out fresh at 1.2V means that it will more quickly drop to an unusable voltage than a 1.5V alkaline. For example, let's say that the pump needs a minimum of 1.0V to operate. Obviously, it's generally faster to drop to 1.0V from 1.2V than 1.5V. In other words, you'll be changing batteries more often.

Thank you very much for this answer.I will have my friend check with the pump manufacturer. she goes thru batteries extremely rapidly and it's expensive. Hopefully these will be compatible.

lstaff wrote:Thank you very much for this answer.I will have my friend check with the pump manufacturer. she goes thru batteries extremely rapidly and it's expensive. Hopefully these will be compatible.

Depending on how often she changes batteries, it might be advantageous to use normal NiMH batteries as opposed to these more expensive LSD NiMHs. LSDs are only beneficial in devices where you rarely change batteries or use. Otherwise, they have two drawbacks: 1) They cost more than normal NiMHs; 2) They have lower capacities. These LSD AAAs, for example, only hold 800mAh. You can find 1350mAh NiMH AAAs on eBay costing less.That means 69% more capacity. One caveat: eBay sellers sometimes inflate their batteries' true capacities.

PS - I should have added that in high drain devices, i.e. digital cameras, a 1.2V NiMH battery will last longer than a 1.5V alkaline. As far as I know, this doesn't apply to insulin pumps which are probably low drain.

Really need AA

Oh, sure. Now that I don't have a credit card, offer the AAA batteries that I have been waiting for.

If these don't come with a charger, I believe the charger that came with the AAs that Woot sold a couple of weeks ago will work with these. That should hold you until you can get one of the recommended chargers.

if these were the Duraloop (Eneloop clones made in Japan) I'd be in for 3. I have many many flashlights that take AAA's and Eneloops make them shine brighter and last longer and I won't use regular alkalines anymore in any of my flashlights but I currently have more flashlights than batteries, so sad these aren't Duraloops!

FYI a 4-pack of AAA "Duraloops" from the Target near my house is $17 so this is a sweet deal if they're close in performance to those.

EDIT: After some further research I've found that these aren't quite as good as the "Duraloops" (white top version of this cell) but that they are quite good. So I'm in for 2 I think.

Here's the previous woot for more comments, if people want:
http://tech.woot.com/forums/viewpost.aspx?postid=5117589

the more recent previous wootoff had fewer comments but $2 more at $14.99
http://www.woot.com/forums/viewpost.aspx?postid=5176759

sdc100 wrote:Get yourself an NiMH charger that charges each battery individually (as opposed to charging them in pairs). That's important because batteries discharge differently, i.e. battery A may be 87% discharged while battery B is 72% discharged. If you're required to charge them in pairs, then one will end up be under or overcharged.

It would also be good to buy a multifunctional charger like the LaCrosse or Maha. They have the ability to test as well as "refresh" overused batteries. I bought a brand new LaCrosse on eBay for about $20.

Thanks for your EXCELLENT posts and info! I have a question on refreshing, if you don't mind. Do you change the defaults during refresh and if so to what and when, for AA? When I changed first default setting to 350 LaCrosse got very hot. Thank you! duh - re: my battery knowledge!

blazesenpai wrote:Go and pick up a smart charger, it'll make these last a lot longer than just about any pack-in charger you'd get.

what's a smart charger and where can I get one?

On Amazon, the LaCrosse and Maha chargers seem to start at $35 and go up from there. I'm going to check at Costco but eBay may have a better price on this.

I can use these in my Eneloop charger no problem>?

k87 wrote:what's a smart charger and where can I get one?

EBAY starting at 2.99 includes shipping from China.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Smart-USB-Battery-Charger-For-AA-AAA-Rechargeable-Battery-New-/260984195533?pt=Battery_Chargers&hash=item3cc3dec9cd

Towers1000 wrote:EBAY starting at 2.99 includes shipping from China.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Smart-USB-Battery-Charger-For-AA-AAA-Rechargeable-Battery-New-/260984195533?pt=Battery_Chargers&hash=item3cc3dec9cd

I’m going to go out on a limb and say... that’s probably not a real “smart” charger... and just a clever title...

can you use these rechargeable ON ANY RECHARGEABLE CHARGER?

kathinflorida wrote:Will these work with the iGo Chargers from a few weeks back?

I sent that question to iGo customer service a few weeks ago. Here's their reply:

Per your question about the charger for iGo Rechargeable Alkaline AA and AAA batteries, that unit can be used with iGo brand Rechargeable Alkaline AA or AAA cells and any brand AA or AAA Nickel Metal-Hydride (NiMH) batteries (as there are no iGo brand NiMH batteries).

There is a notation in the manual about not charging other types of batteries which is a warning against attempting to charge Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), Lithium-ion, or standard non-rechargable Alkaline AA or AAA batteries with that charger.

Thank you,
iGo Product Support

craigthom wrote:

And I paid two bucks more, so thanks for that, Woot.

I KNOW, right!?!

This is the THIRD time in the last few weeks that I have seen one of my RECENT woot purchases offered again on woot for LESS.

We bargain hunters do NOT like seeing our bargains at a BETTER bargain - EVER, but especially not within a few weeks of our purchase!!

MatthewCarlisle wrote:if these were the Duraloop (Eneloop clones made in Japan) I'd be in for 3. I have many many flashlights that take AAA's and Eneloops make them shine brighter and last longer and I won't use regular alkalines anymore in any of my flashlights but I currently have more flashlights than batteries, so sad these aren't Duraloops!

FYI a 4-pack of AAA "Duraloops" from the Target near my house is $17 so this is a sweet deal if they're close in performance to those.

EDIT: After some further research I've found that these aren't quite as good as the "Duraloops" (white top version of this cell) but that they are quite good. So I'm in for 2 I think.

I bought these batteries the last time woot offered them, but I have the white topped ones also (bought a 4-pack on eBay). I actually think these hold a charge longer - although, it could be because I have charged my other (white-top) ones SO many times.

I will say I was dissapointed, though, when I used 3 batteries out of the first pack I opened - they were NOT fully pre-charged & ready to use right out of the package as advertised (or at least one of the three wasn't), although they were perfecty fine once I charged them. The next 3 I used out of that pack WERE fully charged, however, so hopefully my first experience is not a common problem with these.

I use these for my small (but BRIGHT) flashlights and my headlamp because I'm outside after dark quite often.

Yes - this is a GREAT deal and they are very good batteries (despite my one (most likely isolated) incident with some of them not being precharged) - I recommend them!

~Sharon

I just paid $13.22 for two 4-packs of these on Amazon. I used a $3 off instant coupon they have linked below the product info. It's fulfilled by Amazon, meaning free shipping on orders over $25 or for Amazon Prime members.

Would these be good for remote controls?

kvenisn wrote:Would these be good for remote controls?

These would be great in remotes.

kvenisn wrote:Would these be good for remote controls?

They're great in remotes -- for most people. LSD batteries are best in things where you seldomly change batteries, i.e. 1-3 times a year. That's because ordinary NiMH batteries lose their charge automatically within a few months, even without use. if you change or charge your batteries daily or weekly from heavy use, i.e. cordless headphones, phone handset or toy, then ordinary NiMH batteries are a better choice because they're cheaper and come in higher capacities. A week is simply not enough to see the effects of self-discharge so there's no reason to go LSD.

michaels1715 wrote:I bought these batteries the last time woot offered them, but I have the white topped ones also (bought a 4-pack on eBay). I actually think these hold a charge longer - although, it could be because I have charged my other (white-top) ones SO many times.

I will say I was dissapointed, though, when I used 3 batteries out of the first pack I opened - they were NOT fully pre-charged & ready to use right out of the package as advertised (or at least one of the three wasn't), although they were perfecty fine once I charged them. The next 3 I used out of that pack WERE fully charged, however, so hopefully my first experience is not a common problem with these.

I use these for my small (but BRIGHT) flashlights and my headlamp because I'm outside after dark quite often.

Yes - this is a GREAT deal and they are very good batteries (despite my one (most likely isolated) incident with some of them not being precharged) - I recommend them!

~Sharon

You may have gotten fakes. Ebay is full of them, and I've been a victim. I bought 8 supposedly LSD batteries off eBay that held a charge no better than normal NiMHs. In other words, they were just plain old NIMH batteries. You can test if they're true LSD by fully charging the batteries and measuring the voltage with a voltmeter or battery tester. Then put them away for 3 months without use. A true LSD battery will still have most of its full voltage (around 1.2V). An ordinary NiMH will lose much of its energy, even without use. If you wait 5 months, ordinary NiMHs will likely be unusable without recharging.

If you have an advanced charger like a LaCrosse or Maha, you can try "renewing" the defective battery and try the above test again.

Good luck with the test!

michaels1715 wrote:I KNOW, right!?!

This is the THIRD time in the last few weeks that I have seen one of my RECENT woot purchases offered again on woot for LESS.

We bargain hunters do NOT like seeing our bargains at a BETTER bargain - EVER, but especially not within a few weeks of our purchase!!

My record is similar to yours. You might try ordering with a credit card that has Price Protection. Simply print out the new lower-priced Woot webpage and submit to the card for a refund of the difference.

i24u wrote:Really need AA

I'm sorry to hear of your drinking problem. Admitting you need help is the fist step to recovery!